Inspiring Teens Magazine Features

Kaylee Engelhardt

10/11/2021

Kaylee Engelhardt - Wisconsin
Nomination by Tonja Engelhardt
Photography by Sarah Kay Photography
Issue 50 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Kaylee Jo Engelhardt is inspiring and beautiful inside and out. Her love and patience show most when she is working with horses and children. She volunteers at Eden Healing Center during student lessons. She has also volunteered at Smiles which is a facility where the horses are used with students with disabilities. The younger girls look up to Kaylee and are always excited to see her. Kaylee is currently searching for a college to attend that has an equine science program. She would like to become a barn manager and also work with training the therapy horses.

Photography by Sarah Kay Photography

What should we definitely know about you?
I love helping others, and something that I feel strongly about is helping people grow their love for horses. I help assist with horseback riding lessons and I take kids on trail rides. It is such an amazing experience to be able to connect with them and see them overcome their fears.

How did you get involved with horses and assisting horseback riding lessons and what do you love most about it?
I started riding horses myself when I was in fourth grade, and ever since have loved it. I had heard about SMILES just from being involved locally in the equine industry and wanted to get some volunteer hours out of the way, this seemed like the perfect place to use my talents to help others. What I love most about it is definitely seeing the participants overcome their fears and hit milestones in their riding each week, seeing them excited and happy is the best feeling in the world.

What is a favorite accomplishment from your time there?
My favorite accomplishment from my time at SMILES would be seeing one participant in particular grow. Throughout her session, each week she would become more confident. At fist, she was so scared and would cry and need to hold my hand, but by the end of her session she was much more confident and excited to be around the horses and give them treats.

Photography by Sarah Kay Photography

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
An inspiring thing about me that my nomination may not have covered is my love for dancing. I am on my school's Poms team and we perform at halftime during football games. I previously did cheer but wanted to try something new, so for my junior and senior years, I decided to try out for poms. I made the team and knew that I was going to have to work extra hard because most girls on the team have been dancing their whole lives and I had never even taken a dance class before. I am now halfway done with my senior season and It has been so much fun, I am glad I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried something new.

Tell us about your pom team and season. What are they both like?
My poms team is full of amazing, talented girls who all really push each other to be the best we can be. This season has been so much fun so far, we have all become closer and work really hard to improve each and every practice!

What is a favorite memory with your team?
My favorite memory with my team so far would be our team sleepover. We all brought food and made posters and banners for our football team. It was really fun to get to know the newer girls and to learn more about my teammates I had already known.

Photography by Sarah Kay Photography

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be on and why?
I feel extremely passionate about helping people with disabilities, especially children. I believe that every person no matter the circumstances deserves a fair shot at accomplishing their dreams, and no one should feel like they can't do that because of the obstacles in their life. Volunteering at SMILES is amazing because I get to help kids accomplish their goals and break down obstacles that might seem impossible to get through.

What does being a part of SMILES mean to you and what is your biggest role there?
Being a part of SMILES for me, means having a purpose. It means being able to use my skills and talents for good to benefit other people, and give them experiences and opportunities that they wouldn’t otherwise have. My biggest role there is to walk alongside the participant and help them, as well as sometimes leading the horse in the arena and maintaining a calm, steady ride for the participant.

What leadership skills have you learned there as a result?
A leadership skill I have learned there is the importance of patience and understanding that the reason I am there is to serve others. I know when I walk in the barn that nothing I have going on is important at that time, I am there to do everything I can to create an amazing experience for the kids who are here to ride.

Photography by Sarah Kay Photography

What was your senior portrait experience like with Sarah Kay Photography and what did you love most about your day with her?
My senior portrait experience was amazing, I love Sarah and she does such an incredible job every time. Sarah makes me feel so comfortable in front of the camera, and you can tell she knows what she’s doing. Sarah makes every photo shoot experience amazing!

Look for Kaylee in issue 50 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 50

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Brooke Berndt

8/4/2021

Brooke Berndt – Wisconsin
Nomination & Photography by LaTour Design - Rebecca Retzer
Issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Brooke Berndt is inspiring because she has worked several jobs as a teen including being a CNA. Brooke currently works with special needs kids and loves it. Brooke is driven, her work ethic is great, and she has the kindest heart!

Photography by LaTour Design - Rebecca Retzer

What should we know about you?
I love to help people! Being a CNA has taught me a lot in caring for people, as well as working for kids with special needs. I love the work I do, and I can’t wait for it to continue when I go to college!

Tell us about your path to become a CNA and what you love most about it?
I originally had to take a class, and test to become a CNA. Working in the medical field when I’m older is something I have been passionate about for a super long time. Being able to help people and have an impact on their daily life is so rewarding!

What is something surprising you learned along the way?
I knew that I was going to grow connections with my residents, but I never thought they would be as good as they were. It was heartbreaking when I had to go through deaths, but they taught me so much.

What is your ultimate goal with it if you could make anything happen?
My ultimate goal is to go into the medical field and become a radiation therapist. I want to continue to help people and make their lives better. Becoming a radiation therapist is my dream career and I hope to be able to achieve that.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
When I was younger, I use to hate getting my picture taken. Rebecca, my photographer, has brought out my confidence and made me realize how much I love it. It has built my self-esteem as well has brought me closer and built friendships with the other girls on the team.

Photography by LaTour Design - Rebecca Retzer

Tell us more about your time with Rebecca. What do you love most about being in front of her camera?
I love how personable Rebecca is! Whenever I have a shoot, I look forward to it because It’s always so fun! She knows how to make me laugh and feel so comfortable in front of the camera especially when I’m not sure how to pose!

What is a favorite memory with her?
My favorite memory is when I had my senior pics and I really got to connect with her. It was so fun being one on one. I also loved the time when our senior influencer team had a shoot and it was pouring outside. We made the best of the shoot and it ended up being super fun!

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
As I already said, I’m very passionate about helping others. This is why I am going to college to work in the medical field, and why I currently work with special needs kids. You never know how you can positively impact someone’s life, so being the person to be there and help them makes me so happy.

Look for Brooke in issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 48

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Lucas Oyen

10/2/2020

Lucas Oyen – Wisconsin
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination and Photography by Candid Touch Photography and Design
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Lucas Oyen will make a change in this world. Over the past year I have gotten to work with this young man in my senior rep program and I am blown away by his drive to help, bring awareness, and achievements. He is an amazing student, involved in music and athletics, and several academic clubs. However, it was his mission to raise money and bring awareness to Autism during the middle of Covid that makes this young man an inspiring teen. When spring sports were canceled, he decided to train and run a self-imposed marathon to raise money for Autism. Not only did he finish the race, but he raised more than $2,000 for the Autism Society of South Central Wisconsin, more than four times his original goal.

Photography by Candid Touch Photography and Design

Tell me about your huge accomplishment of running a self-imposed marathon in honor of Autism Awareness and what inspired you to do so.
Running a full marathon has always been a goal of mine. When COVID-19 hit and everything was cancelled, I decided it would be the perfect time. My inspiration was my six-year-old cousin, Boone. Boone has Autism. Boone is such incredible child who at his young age is able to face challenges with such phenomenal strength and determination. He inspired me to not only have the strength to do this marathon, but he also inspired me to spread awareness to others about Autism. I ended up raising over $2,000 for the Autism Society of South-Central Wisconsin.

What was the process like leading up to the Autism awareness marathon and the responsibilities that came with running it?
While I have always been extremely active in sports, I was not someone who ran daily. I knew to accomplish this goal I was going to need some help. I found a 16-week training plan and started training. I began running six days a week. I developed a system that worked for my body alternating endurance runs with speed workouts. Each week I would slowly increase the distance I was running. I had to be extremely disciplined and make sure I put forth 100% to accomplish this goal.

Photography by Candid Touch Photography and Design

How are you also very involved in your high school including being involved in four sports as well as musical extracurriculars and other clubs?
I am currently a four sport Varsity athlete along with being a member of choir and band. I have been in school musicals and the lead in last year’s school play. I am the student council Treasurer and a very active member of the LEO Club. I help with food and clothing drives, visits with Santa, and other volunteer activities that help members of our community. I organized a breakfast for Autism Awareness this past April that was unfortunately cancelled due to the pandemic.

How do you strive to be active and help make a difference in your community through all that you are involved in?
“When caring people join together, roll up their sleeves and take action to make their community better, it’s a beautiful thing.” This is a quote from lionsclub.org. This is how I choose to look at life and every opportunity that comes my way. It is about more than just doing volunteer work. It is about being kind and respectful to others through the work you do and your actions. It is about holding yourself accountable and being a leader in your school and community. This is what I strive to do each day.

Photography by Candid Touch Photography and Design

Why do you think being involved in many different activities and extracurriculars is important to actively do?
Being involved in many different extracurriculars is important because it makes you a more well-rounded individual. Through working with different people, you learn more about your yourself and others. You learn better communication skills and how to relate to different individuals. You get the opportunity to explore different interests and learn things about yourself you never knew. Being involved can also help you feel more connected and have a sense of purpose.

Photography by Candid Touch Photography and Design

What advice would you give to inspire other teens to spread awareness and show kindness to others like you have in your community?
My advice to other inspiring teens is simple. Always remember to be kind. We never know what is going on in someone else’s life. We often do not know the hardships they may be facing. A simple smile, a high five, a “What’s up” can truly change someone’s day. I would also tell others to take advantage of every opportunity they are given.

Lucas will be featured in issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 38

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Kaylee Engelhardt

Kaylee Engelhardt - Wisconsin
Nomination by Tonja Engelhardt
Photography by Sarah Kay Photography
Issue 50 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Brooke Berndt

Brooke Berndt – Wisconsin
Nomination & Photography by LaTour Design - Rebecca Retzer
Issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Lucas Oyen

Lucas Oyen – Wisconsin
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination and Photography by Candid Touch Photography and Design
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Featured

Archives

Categories

Kaylee Engelhardt

Kaylee Engelhardt - WisconsinNomination by Tonja EngelhardtPhotography by Sarah Kay PhotographyIssue 50 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Brooke Berndt

Brooke Berndt – WisconsinNomination & Photography by LaTour Design - Rebecca RetzerIssue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Lucas Oyen

Lucas Oyen – WisconsinInterview by Claire PlathNomination and Photography by Candid Touch Photography and DesignIssue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Featured

Archives

Categories

Kaylee Engelhardt - Wisconsin
Nomination by Tonja Engelhardt
Photography by Sarah Kay Photography
Issue 50 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Brooke Berndt – Wisconsin
Nomination & Photography by LaTour Design - Rebecca Retzer
Issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Lucas Oyen – Wisconsin
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination and Photography by Candid Touch Photography and Design
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine